spree idles, no go.

[spreenewbie]

HI!
here's my problem...
I got a 1986 honda spree today that's been sitting for who knows how long. nice bunch of spider webs and bug homes were in it, all cleaned out.

I got in a fresh battery and it started up, smoked a bit but then ran great! no smoke now, idles nice, but when I give it gas the lights dim a bit and it won't go. it did ok at first. but now it bogs down when I give it gas and the lights dim a bit.

Staring it up was really really cool! I charged the new battery for 2 hours just like the instructions said. the lights are nice and bright at idle. the electric start work great! but I also kick started it to check it all out.

So, is this a minor issue or a part I need to repalce? perhaps clean som connections?

any help would be appreciated.


I used to own an aero 50 and I missed it so much atht when I saw this one at my friends house I asked him how much and for $75.00 I can fix up a little scooter I'll never part with...

looking for a fix.... thanks!

[portets]

sounds like it's lean, and you may need to clean the carb. does it have the air filter?

[hondaman]

Its the carb. You need to clean it out. Your lights dim because the engine is ready to konk out because the carb is blocked up inside and the engine is not getting the proper fuel.

[Lunytune]

99.99% of the problem with these scooters that have "been sitting for who knows how long" is varnish in the small passageways of the carburetor. When gasoline evaporates off, it leaves behind a nasty varnish which can harden rock solid in the tiny passages of the carburetor. All carbs have these passageways, but these small scooters have small carbs with small holes. A good soaking in Carb Gunk ($30 at Autozone, well worth it, and you will use it again), then work on the passageways with carb spray cleaner (different than the Gunk bath) and a guitar string, until you can spray the cleaner all the way through the passage. You may think it's impossible, and some can be cantankerous, but keep at it until the job is done. When you get that scoot running right, you will see it's well worth the effort.

[bradmeehan]

Welcome!

Clean the carb then clean it again. I did mine twice, it still ran crappy then cleaned it one more time. You wouldn't believe how dirty the rag/Qtips were even after the third one. Be sure to push out that barrel behind the jet. That was filthy on mine. Runs great now.

$75? You got a great deal.

[JJ54]

Hi All.. This is my first post.

I have been reading all the info on the 84 - 87 sprees. I just got a barn find that has not ran in over 10 years> only 1000 mi on the clock.

I did everything I read about..Clean the carb.. plug ..Filter..New petcock (mine was toast) and then...

REALLY CLEAN THE CARB!!!.

Guitar string and soak for days..Q tip and toothpaste.. the whole works!

Runs like a champ and I didnt get yelled at by bear once! hahahaha Kidding!

My point is .. everything and anything you would want to know is on this site!..Thanks Everybody!

BTW mine would idle at first also..clean that carb and she will be all good!

JJ

[Lunytune]

More proof that although that tiny hole is the primary "idle" jet passage, it impacts acceleration, not idle. It is the cause of bogging. Have another box of popcorn, Bear.

[Bear45-70]

More proof that although that tiny hole is the primary "idle" jet passage, it impacts acceleration, not idle. It is the cause of bogging. Have another box of popcorn, Bear.

That's because these carb have no accelerator pump, hence to have enough fuel to transition to the main fuel system from the idle, you have to run the idle circuit slightly rich. A partially plug idle circuit the engine idles but is too lean to transition to the main jet. You still don't seem to understand how these system work.

[spreenewbie]

THANKS!

I inspected it closer and saw a loose gromett thing, boot? going to the carb, hooked it back up, pullled out the air filter and it came apart in my hands. so I put in a makeshift to run around and cleaned the carb from the outside with carb cleaner and put it back together and it hauls! I mean it really flies! no dying out or nothing. I need to get a new filter and a new speedometer cable because it's broken.

yes, I'll clean the carb out soon, just seeing what I'm up against and checking out the systems......

also: does anyone know where I can get new or old stock spree decals? for the sides.

one more thing, the belt is fine at this time, but what conversions can be done? like chain drive? anything more durable? I remeber my aero 50 would bust them often. perhaps the variable speed thing caused it?

thanks a zillion for the help!
I rode it all day long and had a ton of fun, I forgot how fast they went! and that darn horn, how high pitched could they make it? BEEP BEEP! like the road runner! total blast!

www.danpayespuppetry.com

[bradthreee]

also: does anyone know where I can get new or old stock spree decals? for the sides.

Those NOS (new old stock) decals have long been discountinued. Ocassionally they pop up on Ebay, but go for a premium.

My advice would be to visit your local decal shop and have them make it for you. Here is one for the 84-85: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=3691

Welcome to the forum

[bradthreee]

Forgot to mention:

There are a few more things you should do if you havent already done so. If this thing has been sitting for who knows how long the following things are added insurance that the scoot has many more years of fun for you

You are already changing the air filter so thats good.
Clean the fuel strainer and tank
Drain and refill oil tank with Honda injector oil for 2 stroke (GN2)
Clean oil strainer
Replace spark plug
Use "seafoam" (google it)

[Lunytune]

one more thing, the belt is fine at this time, but what conversions can be done? like chain drive? anything more durable? I remeber my aero 50 would bust them often. perhaps the variable speed thing caused it?

Chain? Surely you jest. First of all, it's not possible, but chains are noisy.

Something must have been drastically wrong if your Aero broke belts often. I've got 6 little scooters and one big 250. They are all driven hard and never had a broken belt.

Only conversion I'm aware of is some guys are using a domestic 1/2x24 cogged belt. It rides a little higher on the front pulley and gives you a little more speed.

BTW, for Bear. I understand fully, just ain't anal.

[spreenewbie]

super awesome info! thanks everyone!

I'm actually copying stuff and putting it into notepad as a step by step....printing it out...

I noticed people selling air filters pre-oiled. wouldn't these turn to muck over time even if they're new- old stock?

just wondering...

[Lunytune]

Theoretically, the oil soaked filters will trap more dirt. Problem is, people use a heavy oil and it severely chokes the breathing. Best to use a light oil, even 2 stroke oil, and squeeze as much as possible out before installing.

[bradmeehan]

Don't buy that $22 air filter from that dude on eBay. They cost $4 at Honda. It's pre-oiled but oil it when you get it.


Uh...pics please?